By Salma El-Sakka
Thai human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for violating the country's lèse majesté law, bringing his cumulative sentence across 14 cases to more than 34 years. The 42-year-old was convicted for a speech he delivered in August 2020 while dressed as Harry Potter, in which he called for public scrutiny of the monarchy's power and wealth.
Harry Potter protest sparked prosecutions
Arnon's appearance at a student-led rally in central Bangkok marked the first time a public figure openly challenged the monarchy's role in modern Thailand. He criticised King Vajiralongkorn's personal control of the Crown Property Bureau and key army units, breaking a long-standing taboo. The protest movement that followed demanded reforms to the monarchy, but authorities responded by restarting prosecutions under Article 112, which had been suspended for three years.
Widespread use of Article 112
Since 2020, 294 people, including 20 minors, have been prosecuted under the lèse majesté law, with sentences reaching up to 50 years. The law prescribes three to 15 years per count for defaming, insulting, or threatening the king, queen, heir-apparent, or regent. In practice, courts have interpreted the statute to cover a vast range of commentary, including remarks about deceased kings and even the king's dog. Most defendants are denied bail and remain in detention throughout lengthy trials.
Activists flee into exile
Among those who fled is Supitcha "Melinn" Chailom, a 24-year-old activist from Chiang Mai who now lives in Canada. She faced four lèse majesté charges after comparing the treatment of the king's dog to that of ordinary citizens. After being placed under electronic monitoring and barred from leaving her home at night, she escaped Thailand with a friend and obtained asylum.
Legal barriers and party dissolution
The Constitutional Court has ruled that Article 112 itself is untouchable, and the reformist Move Forward Party was dissolved in 2024 merely for proposing lighter penalties. Defence lawyers say courts routinely refuse to subpoena evidence or witnesses that could support defendants' claims, and judges have warned lawyers against challenging closed proceedings.
Letters from prison
Arnon has spent the past three years in Bangkok Remand Prison, where he writes letters to his young daughter and son. He describes the struggle of incarceration but frames it as a necessary part of a larger movement. Court hearings provide his only contact with his three-year-old son, who believes the courtroom is his father's workplace.
